This online genealogical diary is hosted by Barry T. Self. It is primarily for information pertaining to the SELF surname, more particularly for descendants of John J. and Lydia Avaline Waters Self, who were married in Union County, GA in 1851. Barry Self is the SELF proclaimed family genealogist and historian, having spent over 20 years researching this Self line. This diary is dedicated to preserving and sharing the findings of his research.

About Me

I am married to a wonderful and sweet wife, Svitlana, who is from Ukraine and we have a beautiful daughter, Lydia Elizabeth. I have worked in the funeral business since 1988 and thoroughly enjoy researching my family roots.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

News of the 2005 Self Gathering in Chattanooga

On Saturday, April 23, 2005, I was honored to represent our branch of the Self Family at the 8th annual Self Gathering at the Comfort Inn Chattanooga in Chattanooga, TN. This gathering was the first to be held in Tennessee since the Self Family Newsletter membership began meeting annually to share research findings and to have the chance to meet people we have only corresponded with, but never actually met in person.

The event was overshadowed by the sad fact that Dan McCarthy, the founding editor of the Self Family Newsletter, had passed away on March 22, 2005 at the age of 61. Dan lived in Calhoun, GA. He was loved and respected by many Self Family researchers and his death impacted a lot of people. Dan was very dedicated to Self Family research and he will be greatly missed.

Everyone attending had the opportunity to meet Doris Howard the new publishing editor of SFN. Doris lives in Columbus, GA and will make a great editor. She is very enthusiastic about the Self Family Newsletter and its mission.

The Self Gathering was a 3 day event. I was only able to attend on Saturday. The other 2 days were spent mostly on entertainment and sightseeing by many of the attendees.

On Saturday, the group enjoyed the following itinerary:

Program at the Old Stone Church in Ringgold, GA. This was the site of the skirmish that started Sherman's March to Atlanta. It is located near the end of the Great Locomative Chase; is a museum of Civil War artifacts; is the church attended by early Self settlers in the area and an overall unique building. The program was presented by Mr. Tracy Wright, Catoosa County, GA teacher and historian.

Noon family meal at the Comfort Inn

Program by renowned genealogist, professor and author, Dr. Robert S. Davis on proving migration. He is a professor at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, AL.

A family photo session

Genealogy swap and share session

Instructional seminar on DNA as a tool in genealogical research by Kathi Bobb, a Self descendant and an experienced DNA researcher. (There will be another article later about this topic.)

Mr. Bob Self of California gave a short presentation on his and his nephew's latest findings on the possibility of where Robert Selfe, our "first Self" if you will lived before coming to Virginia. Bob's research reveals some interesting information on where he believes Robert Selfe actually came from to America. I will share more on this later, but I will say for now that it was London, England according to Bob's research.

Lastly, we had a family meeting to plot the future course of the Self, Selph family research and the preservation of our records.

It was a great event for we researchers. The next reunion will be in April, 2006 in Texas.